Victor Wembanyama looks like an MVP candidate as Spurs crush Mavs in opener

DALLAS — Victor Wembanyama has returned, and the NBA is in awe. The 21-year-old played in his first regular-season game since a blood clot ended his season last February. The results were incredible in the San Antonio Spurs’ 125-92 opening-night win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama finished with 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in just 30 minutes, shooting 15 of 21 from the field and 9 of 11 from the line. Scouts at the game told The Athletic he might already be the MVP. ESPN’s Jay Bilas said on the broadcast that it was like watching Tiger Woods hit a golf ball if he were 7 feet 5.

Wembanyama joined Tim Duncan as the only Spurs players to cross the 30-point, 10-rebound threshold in a season opener, per The Athletic’s James Jackson. He’s the fourth player since 1977-78 to record 40 points and 15 rebounds without a turnover.

Though his numbers were outstanding, the way he did it was jaw-dropping: impossible dunks, unstoppable shots and shot blocks.

Wembanyama’s dominance relegated the opening-night battle of the top two NBA Draft picks in June to an afterthought. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper took time to establish themselves, but both showed  in the second half why they are the league’s top rookies. But as the game went on, Wembanyama’s shotmaking opened too wide a gap for Dallas to close.

This story will be updated.